|
Fan Palm Oases People have been using palm oases since prehistoric times. Native Americans, such as the Serrano and Cahuilla would set fire to the oases to increase fruit production and remove the sharp-edged fronds from the desert floor. They would use the broad leaves for waterproof shelters and ate the fruit. They would also propogate oases by planting seeds in locations that looked promising. |
 Dried leaves |
|
Desert fan palms have to have water available to them. They absorb water using a system with pencil-sized rootlets so dense other plants cannot penetrate. These rootlets spread about 20 feet from the tree in all directions. However, these rootlets are subject to washing away easily in flash floods. Fan palm trees living in narrow canyons will typically die from flash floods. previous <> next |
 Palm trees in narrow canyon |